It’s almost unfathomable to believe if you weren’t seeing it unfold before your own eyes. The Philadelphia Flyers are in a playoff spot with five games left in the regular season. More importantly, they control their own destiny.

Considering the mood surrounding the team for much of 2026 has been sour, especially after a trade deadline where the season looked lost and playoff hopes were left for dead, it is a remarkable turnaround.

Even just under three weeks ago, on March 17, as they prepared for a three-game road trip in California, the Flyers were eight points back in the wildcard and nine points back of third in the Metro.

Part of that has been a series of additions that have come beyond the trade deadline. By trading Bobby Brink on deadline day, they opened up a spot for Alex Bump to be called up. He had a huge goal against the Islanders on Friday night. Then, in just the last week, top prospect Porter Martone signed and debuted in the NHL and the team got Tyson Foerster back a month ahead of schedule.

All three had an immediate impact, and may have been better than any trade deadline blueprint you could draw up.

The Flyers play the next three games on the road starting on Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils. So, how do they officially lock themselves into the playoffs for the first time since 2020?

By positioning themselves for the third spot in the Metro, only the other teams in the division really matter. If the Flyers were to win out, they would reach a maximum of 100 points in the standings. The Islanders and Capitals each have four games remaining. The Islanders can top out at 97 points. Washington can top out at 95 points.

Meanwhile, Columbus also has five games remaining this season and can top out at 98 points.

If the Flyers were to win three of the final five games, they would need Columbus to lose three points and the Islanders to lose two to lock in their spot. It’s incredibly achievable, but also involves the hardest element.

Being in control can add to the pressure. For weeks, the Flyers have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL and always had something to chase. Now, they have reached the desired position, but the job is not finished yet.

The Devils have embraced being spoilers. The Flyers will play the Detroit Red Wings for the final time this season on Thursday, and that should be a desperate team that needs wins to keep their playoff push alive. The Flyers close the road trip against the Winnipeg Jets, who have pushed themselves back into the Western Conference playoff race.

So it won’t be easy, but getting to this spot hasn’t been either. The Flyers seem to thrive on doubt and unlikely odds. Belief is a powerful thing, and the Flyers can claim a lot of it at the moment.

Only five games remain on the 82-game journey. And what a journey it’s been so far. If the Flyers can handle their business for another nine days, it will have another chapter, one that Philadelphia hockey fans have not had the chance to experience in a long time.

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.

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